First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
deign
verb \ˈdān\
: to do something that you think you should not have to do because you are too important
Full Definition of DEIGN
intransitive verb
: to condescend reluctantly and with a strong sense of the affront to one's superiority that is involved : stoop <would not even deign to talk to him>
transitive verb
: to condescend to give or offer
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Origin of DEIGN
Middle English, from Anglo-French deigner, from Latin dignare, dignari, from dignus worthy — more at decent
Related to DEIGN
- Synonyms
- condescend, stoop
Rhymes with DEIGN
ain, Aisne, ane, Bain, bane, blain, brain, cane, chain, crane, drain, fain, fane, feign, gain, grain, Kane, lane, Lane, main, mane, pain, Paine, pane, plain, plane, quean, rain, reign, rein, sain, sane, seine, Seine, skein, Spain, sprain, stain, strain, swain, thane, thegn, train, twain, Twain, vain, vane, vein, wain, wane, Wayne
DEIGN Defined for Kids
deign
verb \ˈdān\
deigneddeign·ing
Definition of DEIGN for Kids
: to do something a person considers below his or her dignity <The teenager deigned to play with his little cousin.>
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